American manufacturing is facing a major workforce crisis—with an estimated 2.1 million jobs potentially unfilled by 2030. But what if the solution is already trained and ready? This week, Lori and Erin talk with Ben Kohler, leader of the Next Frontier Advanced Manufacturing Institute (NFAMI), about how his organization is solving two problems at once: helping veterans transition into civilian careers and filling manufacturing talent gaps.

Ben shares how NFAMI provides tuition-free, hands-on training in welding and CNC machining to veterans, military spouses, and their adult children. Based in Montana but ripe for national expansion, the program turns military discipline and technical know-how into highly sought-after manufacturing skills.

📧 Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-kohler-25b96115

🔗 Learn more: www.nfami.org

Get ready for a powerhouse episode of A BROADcast For Manufacturers as the ladies go live with three inspiring leaders from the heavy equipment world. We’re spotlighting the upcoming Women in Equipment Conference, hosted by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), and hearing firsthand from the women shaping the future of this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Guests:

• Kirsten Erickson – Business Development Specialist, AED

linkedin.com/in/kirsten-erickson-4932a552

• Alexandra Norris – VP of Operations, Specialty Equipment Insurance Services

linkedin.com/in/-alexandra-norris

• Jenna Weber – Marketing Manager, Specialty Equipment Insurance Services

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaweber22/

From navigating career pivots to building community in rooms where they were often the “first” or “only,” these women bring candid insights and career-boosting wisdom. We also dive into how AI, empathy, and bold networking are reshaping the future of manufacturing and construction.

Resources & Links:

• Women in Equipment Conference: aednet.org
• Specialty Equipment Insurance Services: specialtyequipmentinsurance.com

Is your team constantly firefighting instead of executing strategy? Tyler Nielsen, founder of Vast Insight Partners, joins the BROADcast to reveal how mid-market manufacturers can close the costly gap between strategic intent and operational chaos. With deep experience in FP&A, forecasting, and operations, Tyler shares smart, actionable insights to get cross-functional teams aligned—without a massive system overhaul.

From data paralysis to siloed decision-making, we break down what really holds teams back from profitability and performance. You'll also hear how tariffs and global supply chains are reshaping operations, and why visibility and alignment are your new superpowers.

👤 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerjnielsen/

1. “We call it the execution gap—where strategic intent dies and operational chaos begins.”
2. “Hope is not a strategy. A plan is not execution.”
3. “Your P&L is a news report. It’s already happened. You can’t change it.”
4. “Technology is a multiplier—not a Band-Aid.”
5. “An engaged employee will do more than you ever imagined—and that starts with visibility and alignment.”